Creating a Network Model for the Integration of a Dynamic and Static Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Test Environment

Since 9/11 protecting our critical infrastructure has become a national priority. Presidential Decision Directive 63 mandates and lays a foundation for ensuring all aspects of our nation's critical infrastructure remain secure. Key in this debate is the fact that much of our electrical power grid fails to meet the spirit of this requirement. My research leverages the power afforded by Electric Power and Communication Synchronizing Simulator (EPOCHS) developed with the assistance of Dr. Hopkinson, et al. The power environment is modeled in an electrical simulation environment called PowerWorld . The network is modeled in OPNET and populated with self-similar network and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). The two are merged into one working tool that can realistically model and provide a dynamic network environment coupled with a robust communication methodology. This new suite of tools will enhance the way we model and test hybrid SCADA networks. By combining the best of both worlds we get an effective and robust methodology that correctly predicts the impact of SCADA traffic on a LAN and vice versa. This ability to properly assess data flows will allow professionals in the power industry to develop tools that effectively model future concepts for our critical infrastructure.